TK Superintendent Announces Retirement

Thornapple Kellogg Schools will be searching for a new superintendent with Superintendent Tom Enslen’s announcement this week that he will retire June 30, 2018.

"I've been so fortunate to have been in this position," he said. "Every superintendent would like to go out on top. I feel as though this district is in a better place today than we've ever been. I feel good about all the work we have done here and the collaboration we've had in the central office."

Enslen has served TK Schools for 17 years - the first three in a coaching position before he was hired as the Assistant Principal at the Middle School. He moved from being assistant principal to being Lee Elementary Principal, to serving as assistant superintendent, and then into the superintendent's job for the last six years.

"I know I have been all over the place on this decision for the last year and a half, but that's because this place is just that special...it's hard to let go," he wrote in a memo to all staff.

About a year ago, Enslen informed the board he would retire in June 2017. He reconsidered the decision and completed one more school year.

"I'm very, very happy with my decision to retire, and I will be leaving TK with no regrets," he said. "I love the kids, I love the staff and I love the community, and I will miss them all dearly."

Enslen said he is confident the district will attract top-rated applicants for the job. "TK has a great reputation. We're in a great place," he said. "Many thanks to the board of education for giving me this opportunity."

He said he has every confidence in the board of education to make the right decision in selecting the district's next leader.

"In the meantime," he said, "I'm still the superintendent and will be until the end of June. I will continue serving the district with the best interest of students in mind."